Judy continues to impress with footage from the reserve, allowing viewers to get up close and personal with the breathtaking species that make the park a natural gem.
In this sighting, she provides glimpses into the intimate moments between a mother elk and her calf.
Watch The Sighting:
The calf, a male, and his mom spent some heartwarming moments together in the area alongside Yellowstone’s Gardner River.
Mother Dotes On Her Little Calf
The little calf refused to leave his mother’s side, even for a moment, as she walked along. He tried to sneak in every chance he could to nurse. Mom, however, was intent on grazing.
This grazing behaviour is the prime reason many U.S. national parks reintroduced elk into their animal offering. Elk help balance the ecosystem by keeping grass and vegetation growth in check.
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The first ancestors of elk appeared in Eurasia around 25 million years ago. Today, elk appear in impressive numbers in the Yellowstone National Park. The park has around 10,000 to 20,000 elk, belonging to around seven herds.
In spite of their numbers, they are vulnerable in the wild, with many predators, such as wolves, targeting them.
Calf Seeks Every Opportunity To Suckle
This mother and calf were filmed grazing in the vegetation alongside a river, however, you will find elk in varied environments, from open mountains and coniferous swamps to woodlands.
Judy’s footage captures many poignant moments between mother and son. In some, the calf tries desperately to keep up with his mom. At times, he weaves between her legs, getting in the way as she walks.
The calf seems intent on suckling and appears dependent on his mom, not leaving her side for a moment. He is her pride and joy because now and then she stops to dote.
Most baby elk are an ‘only child’. After a gestation period of eight to nine months, the female elk will give birth to a single calf. Female elk rarely give birth to twins.
Newborn elk also grow very fast. This is because they drink a lot of their mother’s milk every day, as this one is seen doing. They are around 13 to 18 kilograms when born, and will gain about half to one-and-a-half kilograms a day until around two months of age.
Baby elk also need to be able to stand soon after birth, to suckle from their mothers. Miraculously, they can stand just short of half an hour after being born!
During their first weeks of life, they remain hidden amongst vegetation.
Seeking Refuge With ‘Mom’
Baby elk are also born with white spots. These markings act as camouflage and ultimately, protection from predators.
This baby will rely on his mother until he is around 16 months old. He will then begin the next chapter of his life as an independent adult.
However, for now, his mom is the perfect refuge and protection. He sneaks in a quick drink of milk before Mom continues on her way.